David Smith, company secretary and financial controller also resigned and will be leaving.

Mr Read said: “I resigned because I can’t be involved in this.

“Enough is enough.

“I have my reputation to protect – it was a sad day.”

The future of the studios in Deer Park Road, Wimbledon, has been in doubt for months, with a number of bidders coming forward when the landlord Panther Securities PLC announced it would sell the 200,000 square foot property if it helped to secure funding for the studios.

Up to 50 businesses based in the Media Village at the studios await their fate as well.

A source close to the studios said: “They would rather evict everyone in the Media Village and bring in Iranian broadcasters than speak to us about a rescue package.

“There’s a conflict.

“It would be vacant possession – everyone out by October and cancelling productions including BBC and Channel 4 contracts.”

Mr Read said he proposed an ‘exciting’ £10m rescue package for the studios, including investment in office space, studios facilities and a digital hub.